Super Bowl Champion and Former Baylor Football Star Will Speak at 24th Annual Black Heritage Banquet

Jan. 31, 2011

Baylor's Association of Black Students will host Santana Dotson, former Baylor football star and Super Bowl champion, at its 24th annual Black Heritage banquet at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 3, in Cashion Academic Center in Hankamer School of Business on the Baylor campus.

Dotson is a former defensive lineman for the Super Bowl XXXI Champion Green Bay Packers. He has also played for the Washington Redskins and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He has been inducted into the Texas Sports Hall of Fame and Baylor Hall of Fame.

Dotson is also the president of the Santana Dotson Foundation, which raises money for economically disadvantaged children so they might attend college.

Doston was chosen to speak due to his community involvement and interest in philanthropy and leadership, said Andrew Sumpter, vice president of the Association of Black Students.

The banquet began 24 years ago with a small budget, said Pearl Beverly, director of multicultural affairs. Students were interested in bringing more diverse speakers to campus.

"It is important for everyone to recognize African-Americans who have contributed to the betterment of our country and the world," said Kelley Kimple, Baylor's coordinator for multicultural activities. "It's good for us to know our history so we are able to learn from it."

Sumpter said the banquest is of importance because "Santana has used his talent and influence to bless those less fortunate than himself. What he has done is very much in line with the Baylor mission statement. He is an example of what it is to be a Baylor bear."

Dress code is "Sunday attire," and dinner will be served.

Admission is $10 for Baylor students and $20 for others. Tickets can be purchased at the Baylor ticket office in the Bill Daniels Student Center on the Baylor campus and from Marylin's Gift Gallery.

Those who want to hear Dotson speak but do not want to eat can arrive at 7:45 p.m. This is free of charge.

The Cashion Academic Center is in the Hankamer School of Business at 1428 S. Fifth St.